ATTORNEY

COLLEGE: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW ADMITTED: 2002-DC; 2005-FL STATES: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & FLORIDA LANGUAGES: ENGLISH DIRECT: 954-990-7328 EMAIL: [email protected]

Ms. Harrell began her career after graduating with honors from the University of Miami, School of Law. At UM, Ms. Harrell (then Ms. Bessent) received a number of honors for her scholastic efforts. After graduating, Ms. Harrell began practicing at Arnold & Porter, in Washington, DC. At Arnold & Porter, Ms. Harrell developed the transactional skills necessary to construct and navigate even the most complex transactional matters. Ms. Harrell’s transactional practice involves the drafting and negotiating of various agreements, including corporate documents, supply and material acquisition agreements and financing instruments.

Early in her career, Ms. Harrell was introduced to the litigation aspects of the practice of law. As a result of her involvement with transactional matters, Ms. Harrell was invited to join a litigation team that was involved in a highly publicized matter against the District of Columbia. Consequently, Ms. Harrell was provided with the unique experience of practicing in the areas of litigation and transactional law. The litigation involvement by Ms. Harrell coupled with the opportunity to work with sophisticated corporate entities, has proven invaluable in her practice. Possessing a solid understanding of business practices and priorities in addition to significant negotiation and litigation experience allows for Ms. Harrell to confidently advocate for her clients and secure beneficial results.

Ms. Harrell’s current practice has evolved into one which incorporates several areas of law. Her clients range from large corporate entities to entertainment personalities to single fathers. She uses her wide array of experiences to assist her clients with their matters and to help them to respond their legal challenges. Throughout her career, Ms. Harrell has worked diligently to provide her clients with counsel and advice that would serve to positively impact their lives, both professionally and personally.

Ms. Harrell practices extensively in the area of family law. She has litigated and negotiated on behalf of clients in matters of divorce, child custody, support modification, dependency, domestic violence and parental time-sharing. Ms. Harrell believes that all children deserve support from both parents and that the relationship between the parents should not adversely affect the well-being of the children. Within the near future Ms. Harrell, along with her law partner Ms. Nikasha Wells, intend to draft legislation which will revise the laws governing child support matters so that they more fairly impact the parent who is paying support.

In addition to assisting her clients, Ms. Harrell devotes time in the community as well. She volunteers with several community-based organizations and also sponsors community-based group initiatives. Ms. Harrell’s primary goal is to facilitate the education of individuals about their rights under the law while diligently advocating for what is fair and just.